A Complex and Elegant Game

As the weather in the south is beginning to warm up a bit, I’m spending more time on the golf course. I’m absolutely obsessed with the sport and find myself drawing parallels between the game and what it teaches me about myself, life and of course - strategic alliances.

There are a number of inspiring golf tomes that translate the game into deep and wise learnings that apply to all aspects of life and love; Extraordinary Golf: The Art of the Possible, Golf in the Kingdom, Golf is not a Game of Perfect and Miracle on the 17th Green are just a few of my favorites.

What I’d like to do in the next series of posts is share some of the thoughts I’ve had while struggling to understand the complexity and elegance of the game and how many of the challenges and solutions apply to our field of shared expertise.

Considering how tight last year's economic conditions were and the current resurgence of investment capital and lowering interest rates, I’d like to start with golf weather as a metaphor for when building a strategic alliance practice at your business makes sense. Just as a golfer eagerly watches the skies for the perfect weather conditions to tee off, business leaders must keep a vigilant eye on market trends and opportunities for the right moment to launch a strategic alliance practice within their company.

Timing is Everything

Golfers understand that even the most skilled players can struggle when they tee off in unfavorable conditions. Similarly, in business, timing is everything. Launching a strategic alliance practice prematurely or during a turbulent market can result in setbacks. To succeed, consider the ideal moment to make your move, when the alignment of factors is most favorable.

Clear Skies and Sunshine

Just as golfers seek the sunshine to enjoy their game, business leaders should look for favorable market conditions, increasing demand for collaboration, and a stable economic environment to ensure the success of their strategic alliances. The pending acquisition of Juniper by HPE is a great example of where it might make sense to explore a new partnership where it may not have made sense before.

Calm Winds

Golfers know that strong winds can make their shots unpredictable and challenging. Similarly, in the business world, it's essential to assess the competitive landscape and industry dynamics. Launching a strategic alliance practice is best when there are fewer obstacles and headwinds. This might mean waiting for a period of relative market stability or when potential partners align with your goals and vision. A competitor exiting the market or suffering a major setback can be an opportunity to partner with channels looking to back fill their portfolio.

Flexibility and Adaptability

Golfers must adapt their game to changing weather conditions and unexpected challenges. Likewise, in business, the ability to adapt and evolve the strategic alliance practice is vital. Stay open to adjustments, learn from your experiences, and be willing to modify your approach as needed to ensure long-term success.

By keeping an eye on the horizon and being patient when necessary, you can launch a strategic alliance practice that thrives, ultimately enhancing your organization's growth and success. Like a golfer enjoying a sunny day on the course, you'll find yourself on a path to achieving your goals with the ideal strategic alliances in place.